In a surprising twist, a passenger in a self-driving vehicle experienced an unexpected adventure when the car began circling repeatedly at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. The incident, captured on video, highlights the challenges faced by autonomous vehicles and raises questions about safety and customer support in this emerging technology. Mike Johns, from Los Angeles, found himself trapped inside the Waymo vehicle as it continued to loop around the parking lot. After contacting Waymo's support team, the vehicle eventually stopped after circling eight times. Although Johns was delayed by only five minutes, the experience left him questioning the reliability of driverless cars. Following the incident, Waymo addressed the issue with a software update.
Unexpected Looping Adventure at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
In the crisp autumn air of December, a peculiar event unfolded at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. A Los Angeles resident named Mike Johns embarked on what he thought would be a routine ride in a Waymo driverless car. However, shortly after entering the vehicle, he noticed something unusual. Instead of heading toward his destination, the car began making continuous circles in the airport’s parking lot. Sensing that something was amiss, Johns started recording the situation on his phone.
The car's internal system connected with Waymo's customer support, where an agent informed Johns that there might be a routing issue. Frustrated and concerned, Johns expressed his anxiety about catching his flight and feeling dizzy from the constant looping. He also mentioned feeling like he was part of a movie scene, wondering if someone was playing a prank on him. Despite his attempts to exit the vehicle, he found himself unable to do so due to the seatbelt constraint.
After circling the lot eight times, the vehicle finally came to a stop. Waymo's rider support team managed to halt the car's erratic behavior. The company later confirmed that the incident occurred on December 9th and attributed it to a software glitch, which was promptly addressed with an update. Johns was delayed by just over five minutes but was eventually taken to his intended location. In response to the incident, Waymo reached out to Johns, leaving a voicemail for follow-up and ensuring he was not charged for the trip.
From a journalistic perspective, this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in the development of autonomous vehicles. While the technology promises convenience and efficiency, it also introduces new risks and uncertainties. The importance of robust customer support systems cannot be overstated, especially in situations where passengers may feel vulnerable or confused. As the industry continues to evolve, ensuring both safety and reliability will be paramount to gaining public trust in self-driving technologies.